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How to keep motivated with your exercise programme

By Robert Collier

Ever struggled to stay motivated with your exercise programme? You have the best of intentions but you just can't seem to stay motivated. You just don't seem to be able to get to the stage where you start getting measurable results and actually enjoying your exercise. Well you are not alone, only about 20% of the population exercise on a consistent basis to receive the full benefits of regular exercise. The following strategies will help you get the most from your exercise programme, help you stay motivated and achieve ongoing sustainable results.

  1. Establish the reason(s) why your are exercising and think of the real life benefits it will provide: more energy, greater productivity, feeling healthy and vibrant, greater mobility, superior quality of life and feeling better about yourself. Establish which reasons are most important to you. The times that you feel unmotivated or don't feel like exercising, these reasons will keep you motivated and exercising
  2. Establish a routine. Specifically determine when and for how long you will exercise on a weekly basis. These times need to be specific and at times that will not be interrupted with other activities. These times must also be non negotiable. Obviously, from time to time other important activities will take the place of your exercise session. This is part of having flexibility but this should only be the exception rather than the rule. Establishing a routine will help keep you motivated.
  3. Make exercise a priority in your life. How important are the benefits that exercise brings to your life? Superior health and fitness will bring many benefits to all areas of your life. Without good health and fitness you will not be able to live life to your true potential. Beware, if you don't make exercise a priority, work and other activities will eat into your exercise time. Making exercise a priority is essential to sticking to your exercise programme and staying motivated.
  4. Be persistent. Stick to your exercise long enough and you will really start to enjoy your exercise. If you have been consistent this is usually about 6-8 weeks after starting regular exercise. At this point the feeling exercise gives you and the benefits you are receiving from it will help provide plenty of motivation for you to carry on and stick to your exercise.
  5. Keep a training diary. Not only does this give you a sense of accountability and achievement to yourself, but it can aid you in identifying if and where you are having problems with your exercise consistency. Seeing the progress you have made also acts as great source of motivation.
  6. Be realistic. Many people start exercise programmes with gusto but often after several weeks they have dropped out of regular exercise. Be realistic about the time you can commit to exercise. Small amounts of consistent exercise are always better than a lot initially and then none at all. Being realistic will make it easier for you to stick with your exercise programme and stay motivated.
  7. Use a personal trainer. A personal trainer can help you stay motivated by providing some accountability. A trainer can also correctly assess you and give you exercise programmes that are appropriate for your goals and needs. Periodic assessments provide for a great source of motivation by measuring progress. Changing of your exercise programme on a regular basis also provides variety so you will never get bored of the same exercise routine. However, remember a trainer can only show you the way; they cannot do it for you. You do need to do what is asked of you. The vast majority of people that use a personal trainer stay motivated and achieve results.

Implement the above strategies to help you stay motivated with your exercise programme. You will start to enjoy exercise, even look forward to it and enjoy all the benefits that regular exercise provides.

About the Author:

Robert Collier is a advanced personal trainer from Christchurch, New Zealand. He works from his own private studio and specilaises in Golf Conditoning, Exercise Rehabilitation and Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching. His website is http://fitandhealthy.co.nz